Coming up with new ideas is always challenging, but the challenge seems even more difficult to overcome when the starting point is quite limiting. In the case of this residential project, the starting point was an existing foundation, that needed to be used for the future building. Therefore, the footprint of the house needed to remain the same, however, the functions needed adjustments since the requirements and priorities of the owners changed in the previous years. Another aspect that involved limitations but in a totally different sense was the setting - a beautiful place near a lake, surrounded by wild vegetation - and our challenge was to integrate the house while emphasizing the view. We managed to do so by using large glass areas towards the lake, by laying the house properly on the sloped ground and by the use of materials. Because we didn't want to interfere with the all-natural vibe of the surroundings, we preferred using all-natural materials: wood as a structural material as well as an interior and exterior wall finishing, natural stone on both façades and pavements, ceramic roofing. The result now peacefully lays near the lake, a discrete presence, while hosting the life of a family and all the peace of mind one can get.

Two story great room with stone fireplace.
Living room - transitional open concept living room idea in Milwaukee

The completed front entry not only says "welcome" but also hints towards the characteristics and spirit of the cottage within.

In this middle size town house the kitchen is a very important, central place and it had undergone a full structural remodel. The client had requested a neutral color palette with subdued natural tones. The designer had used two level counter tops to give a hint of separation between kitchen and dining areas but consistency in material gave it a united look.

Jessica McClintock’s simply romantic personal style is the inspiration for this extensive collection of richly ornamented and detailed pieces for the home. The eclectic blending of materials and finishes adds even more romance and designer touches. The collection is crafted from Oak and Pecan Veneers, Silver Leaf, Metal and Marble. There are two core finishes – Baroque (dark) and White Veil (heavily distressed off white finish). White Veil, is an antique white wash that allows the wood grain to show through in some areas, while being more textured in others. The finish also has aged/distressed detailing that includes wormholes, water spotting, light brown splatter, rub through and worn edges. On most White Veil pieces, the tops are finished in our Revival finish. This is a raw, scrubbed finish on Pecan veneers that emulates an antique that has been stripped of its original finish. The darker, Baroque finish can be found on bedroom items. This finish is a cappuccino-colored worn finish with wire brushed details and antiqued glaze on Oak veneers.

Resting upon a 120-acre rural hillside, this 17,500 square-foot residence has unencumbered mountain views to the east, south and west. The exterior design palette for the public side is a more formal Tudor style of architecture, including intricate brick detailing; while the materials for the private side tend toward a more casual mountain-home style of architecture with a natural stone base and hand-cut wood siding. Primary living spaces and the master bedroom suite, are located on the main level, with guest accommodations on the upper floor of the main house and upper floor of the garage. The interior material palette was carefully chosen to match the stunning collection of antique furniture and artifacts, gathered from around the country. From the elegant kitchen to the cozy screened porch, this residence captures the beauty of the White Mountains and embodies classic New Hampshire living. Photographer: Joseph St. Pierre

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: We hired Paul Lopa to remodel our master bathroom. During the project, we increased the work to include upgrading all moldings and replaced all interior doors including our front door. We are very pleased with his work. There were no hidden costs, he followed through on every last detail and did so in a timely manner. He guided us toward materials that were of a higher quality to prevent problems down the road. His team was respectful of our home and did their best to protect our belongings from the renovation destruction. We will definitely hire Paul Lopa again for future renovations. Haw, Ron

After removing the partitions that separated the kitchen and main living area, the entire kitchen was expanded towards the living room. This expansion allowed for a larger kitchen footprint, which incorporated more cabinetry storage, counter space, and an oversized island with seating. Furdowns were removed to give the sense of a loftier space, which in turn, created a brighter area overall. The addition of recessed can lighting and island pendants illuminate all corners of the kitchen. The herringbone pattern on the floor captures a classic, elegant feature that runs throughout the home. Lastly, running the same countertop material onto the backsplash allows for easy clean-up and a sweeping, clean look.

The Deschutes House is located on an urban site facing the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. The architectural massing of the house has been wrapped around a south-facing, grassy courtyard, with dramatic 2nd story spaces cantilevered toward the river. The main living space is completely transparent to the river on one side and to the courtyard on the other side, providing two entirely different views from the room. The living ceiling plane has enlivened by CNC-milled wood-strip ceiling panels, with variegated shapes inspired by landscape morphology. The house is clad with a two different types of siding: tightly spaced Western red cedar and corrugated metal siding. The warm tones of the wood contrast nicely with the cool tones of the metal siding and metal roofing. The fireplace chimney is clad in Montana ledgestone with a combination of earth tones and grey-blue colors. The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and snow protection; metal siding for maximum durability; and radiant floor heating. The house also has solar hot water panels for domestic hot water.

The ocean view from this lovely condo was the inspiration for the colors and textures chosen in this project. Beachy blues, sandy tones, beach glass, and driftwood make up the materials. The glass wave backsplash with live edge in the kitchen is a favorite feature. Wood plank style tile on the fireplace keeps the space clean and light. We kept this small space open and airy allowing the finishes and materials to compliment the ocean view rather than compete. This beach retreat was transformed into a cozy, stylish, and inviting space to relax and enjoy the beauty of Pajaro Dunes, California. Swivel Chairs allow easy view t the ocean or towards conversation.

After removing the partitions that separated the kitchen and main living area, the entire kitchen was expanded towards the living room. This expansion allowed for a larger kitchen footprint, which incorporated more cabinetry storage, counter space, and an oversized island with seating. Furdowns were removed to give the sense of a loftier space, which in turn, created a brighter area overall. The addition of recessed can lighting and island pendants illuminate all corners of the kitchen. The herringbone pattern on the floor captures a classic, elegant feature that runs throughout the home. Lastly, running the same countertop material onto the backsplash allows for easy clean-up and a sweeping, clean look.

The design unfolds as a sequence of deliberate experiences, each step guided toward a sense of calm and discovery.
Contemporary exterior home idea in Orange County

Mid-sized contemporary two-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Seattle with a shed roof

Resting upon a 120-acre rural hillside, this 17,500 square-foot residence has unencumbered mountain views to the east, south and west. The exterior design palette for the public side is a more formal Tudor style of architecture, including intricate brick detailing; while the materials for the private side tend toward a more casual mountain-home style of architecture with a natural stone base and hand-cut wood siding. Primary living spaces and the master bedroom suite, are located on the main level, with guest accommodations on the upper floor of the main house and upper floor of the garage. The interior material palette was carefully chosen to match the stunning collection of antique furniture and artifacts, gathered from around the country. From the elegant kitchen to the cozy screened porch, this residence captures the beauty of the White Mountains and embodies classic New Hampshire living. Photographer: Joseph St. Pierre

Old meets new: 2024 addition to a 1940 house. In this marriage of old and new, the whole emphasizes a harmony of materials and visual connections throughout. One enters the original front door and experiences the ordered spaces and details of a 1940 home. A central axis organizes the project, and leads the eye from a refurbished traditional entry hall towards a modern fountain and landscape in the near distance. | 2024 AIA Central Virginia Award of Merit in Residential Design | Photography: Lincoln Barbour Photo

There was no back porch to cook and sit under next to their pool. Given the available space and proximity to the pool area, extending off of the existing carport and storage room made the most sense. So, a vaulted hipped roof structure was added over a dining area with a lean-to metal roof covering the outdoor cooking and serving area. All of this is located to be very interactive with the hot tub and shallow end of the pool. Also, the existing storage room is expanded towards the backyard and climatized. Pool patio materials are extended into the new spaces making it seamless with no tripping hazards. A beautiful and much needed addition looks like it’s always been there.

Set into a hillside overlooking the lush landscape surrounding San José, Costa Rica, Casa Las Vista’s refined material palette and curated furnishings draw attention to the natural surroundings, bringing greenery into the interiors of the home, as well. Taller KEN worked as interior architects for the residence: a three-level home nestled into the surrounding forest with wide windows that overlook the valley beyond. A palette of natural materials — slate, wood, marble, and ceramic tile — offers definition to the project’s interlocking forms and soft, minimal furnishings: quiet shapings of the interior space that orient residents toward the view. In the main living space, the large double-height space overlooks a long view of the valley, bounded only by the mountain ridge in the distance. In the upper-level bedrooms, bamboo presses against the windows, providing a feeling of being suspended in the tree canopy. And in the center of the house, alongside an open stairwell and beneath a stretch of skylights, is a courtyard garden lush with tropical plantings that brings greenery into the very heart of the home.

Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in Salt Lake City.

Coming up with new ideas is always challenging, but the challenge seems even more difficult to overcome when the starting point is quite limiting. In the case of this residential project, the starting point was an existing foundation, that needed to be used for the future building. Therefore, the footprint of the house needed to remain the same, however, the functions needed adjustments since the requirements and priorities of the owners changed in the previous years. Another aspect that involved limitations but in a totally different sense was the setting - a beautiful place near a lake, surrounded by wild vegetation - and our challenge was to integrate the house while emphasizing the view. We managed to do so by using large glass areas towards the lake, by laying the house properly on the sloped ground and by the use of materials. Because we didn't want to interfere with the all-natural vibe of the surroundings, we preferred using all-natural materials: wood as a structural material as well as an interior and exterior wall finishing, natural stone on both façades and pavements, ceramic roofing. The result now peacefully lays near the lake, a discrete presence, while hosting the life of a family and all the peace of mind one can get.